Despite the fact that Roma constitute Europe’s largest ethnic minority with approximately 6 million Roma living in the EU, their status and rights are still overlooked by many in the public debate. Subsequently, Roma are still subject to discrimination and social exclusion. On the occasion of the International Roma Day on 8 April, we are looking at the EU and the Council of Europe’s respective actions to support and empower Roma people across Europe, giving them the opportunity to realise their full potential and engage fully in political, social, economic and cultural life.

As the beginning of the Syrian uprising is marking its very sad 10th anniversary, the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva hosted a virtual debate in the context of the ‘Brussels V Conference on Syria’ to discuss the situation of the most vulnerable group hit by the conflict – the children. The ten year-long conflict in Syria had a huge impact on children and their well-being. A whole generation of children has known nothing but war.